System and method for replacing media content

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining a first tuning state of a media processor of a subscriber. The first tuning state includes a satellite service channel, wherein the satellite service channel provides a first media content item that is processed by the media processor for presentation. A terrestrial service channel is identified that provides a second media content item. Access to the terrestrial service channel is provided by control of a switch. Subsequent processing of the second media content item by the media processor is facilitated by replacing the first media content item, responsive to the determining of an unavailability of the satellite service channel Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/919,373, filed Oct. 21, 2015, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to automated media content replacement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a direct broadcastsatellite system;

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a terrestrial portion ofthe direct broadcast satellite system described in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts another illustrative embodiment of a terrestrial portionof the direct broadcast satellite system described in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method used in portionsof the system described in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system thatsupports replacement media content to the direct broadcast satellitesystem of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal forinteracting with the communication systems of FIGS. 1-3; and

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of acomputer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, maycause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for an intelligent multi-switch that reacts to an impairmentin reception of original media content from a satellite and/orterrestrial media feed by applying substitute media content from anothersource, such as a corresponding Internet feed. The multi-switch can alsoreact to a resumption in availability of the original media content byreturning to the satellite/terrestrial feed. The multi-switch can be IPenabled and include discrete signal detection to accurately predictimpairments to received media content services. Other embodiments aredescribed in the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a system includinga switch, a processor in communication with the switch and a memory thatstores executable instruction. The instructions, when executed by theprocessor, facilitate performance of operations that include receiving achannel indicator of a media processing device of a subscriber. Thechannel indicator corresponds to a satellite service channel of a numberof satellite service channels, wherein the satellite service channelprovides a first version of a media content item processed by the mediaprocessing device for presentation. A terrestrial service channel of anumber of terrestrial service channels is identified, that presents asecond version of the media content item. Unavailability of thesatellite service channel to the media processing device is detected.The switch is controlled to the terrestrial service channel of thenumber of terrestrial service channels, wherein the second version ofthe media content item is not, prior to the controlling of the switch,processed by the media processing device for presentation. Subsequentprocessing of the second version of the media content item by the mediaprocessing device is facilitated by replacing the first version,responsive to the detecting of the unavailability of the satelliteservice channel.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a process thatdetects, by a device comprising a processor, a first tuning state of amedia processing device of a subscriber. The first tuning state includesa satellite service channel of a number of satellite service channels,wherein the satellite service channel presents a media content item. Themedia content item is presented to the media processing device. Aterrestrial service channel of a number of terrestrial service channelsis determined that provides a substitute media content item. Theterrestrial service channel of the number of terrestrial servicechannels is accessed. An unavailability of the satellite service channelto the media processing device of the subscriber is detected andsubsequent processing of the substitute media content item by the mediaprocessing device is facilitated by replacing the media content item,responsive to the detecting of the unavailability of the satelliteservice channel.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a machine-readablestorage medium, having executable instructions that, when executed by aprocessor, facilitate performance of operations. The operations includedetermining a first tuning state of a media processing device of asubscriber, wherein the first tuning state includes a satellite servicechannel of a number of satellite service channels, wherein the satelliteservice channel presents a first media content item. The first mediacontent item is processed by the media processing device forpresentation. A terrestrial service channel of a number of terrestrialservice channels is identified that provides a second media contentitem. The terrestrial service channel of the number of terrestrialservice channels is accessed, wherein the second media content item isnot initially processed by the media processing device for presentation.An unavailability of the satellite service channel to the mediaprocessing device is determined and facilitation of subsequentprocessing of the second media content item by the media processingdevice by replacing the first media content item, responsive to thedetermining of the unavailability of the satellite service channel.

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a Direct BroadcastSatellite (DBS) system 100, sometimes referred to as a BroadcastingSatellite Service (BSS). The system 100 includes or more artificialsatellites 102 providing satellite service to one or more geographicalregions. Each satellite 102 includes one or more transponders thattransmit satellite service signals 104 wirelessly to the targetgeographical region(s). Under certain conditions, the satellite signals104 can be received by a satellite terminal 106. Namely, the satelliteterminal 106 is positioned within a target geographical region, withoutinterference that might otherwise degrade or prevent reception of thesatellite signal 104. By way of non-limiting example, DirecTV® and DishNetwork®, are American DBS service providers. They transmit digitalsatellite television and audio to households and businesses in the U.S.,Latin America and the Caribbean. DBS is also considered a directcompetitor of cable television providers. DirecTV® and Dish Network® areregistered trademarks of DirecTV, LLC and Dish Network LLC,respectively. These providers emit their core programming from satellitein geostationary orbits at locations between 100 W and 120 W westernlongitudes.

One such means of interference is related to the sun 114. The satelliteterminal 106 typically has a highly directional antenna that is aimed ata location of the satellite 102. Under certain astronomical conditions,the sun may fall within the same region covered by the satelliteterminal 106 antenna. Namely, the satellite falls on a line connectingthe satellite antenna and the sun. This can be referred to as sun fade,sun transit, sun outage or solar conjunction. Such conditions can occurmultiple times per year, for a period of about several minutes or moreduring which reception of the satellite signal is impeded, degraded orotherwise unavailable. In some instances, e.g., depending upon antennamis-pointing, link margin, actual element performance and so forth, thedurations of any single outage can be greater than 10 minutes.Fortunately, sun fade can be predicted with a high degree of precisionbased on locations of the satellite 102 and the satellite terminal 106.Sun interference prediction calculators are readily available, such as acalculator available online from INTELSAT, athttp://www.intelsat.com/tools-resources/satellite-data-tools/sun-interface-calculator/.

It is generally understood that adverse weather conditions can alsoaffect the quality of satellite signal reception. For example, heavyrains 112 can attenuate the satellite signal enough to result innoticeable degradation of image quality. In extreme cases, the receptioncan be effectively disrupted. Satellite signal reception quality alsocan be affected by water or snow/ice accumulating over the surface ofthe satellite terminal antenna.

In more detail, the satellite terminal 106 includes a satellite dishantenna 105 and a low-noise amplifier/block down-converter (LNB) 107.The dish antenna 105 is typically mounted external to a subscriber'spremises and receives RF signals 104 from one or more satellites. Thereceived satellite signals 104 are passed to the LNB 107, and anamplified, filtered and down-converted, e.g., removing an RF carrier.The down-converted signals 109 are provided to a satellite receiver,typically within the subscriber's premises. Some premises can includemultiple receivers or set-top boxes (STBs) 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, 110 d(generally 110) receiving the down-converted signals 109 from an RFdistribution device.

If the satellite terminal 106 provides a single output, the RFdistribution device can include an RF splitter. More typically, thesatellite terminal 106 provides multiple outputs. In the illustrativeexample, a multi-switch 108 is provided to route the down-convertedsignals to the appropriate STB 110. It is generally understood that thesame dish antenna can receive satellite signals 104 from more than onesatellite. Alternatively or in addition, the same premises can have morethan one satellite antennas, e.g., pointing to different satellitesand/or operating in different frequency bands. In such situations, eachof the inputs of the multi-switch 108 is dedicated to a respective oneof the received satellite signals 104. In some embodiments, one of theinputs of the multi-switch can receive inputs from a terrestrialantenna, e.g., receiving a local terrestrial wireless broadcast oftelevision programming For example, a “3 In-4 Out” multi-switch canreceive inputs from two block-down-converted satellite signals 109 andone local terrestrial wireless broadcast signal (not shown). Themulti-switch 108 provides four output terminals that can support up tofour satellite receivers, or STBs 110, as shown.

The satellite receiver or STB 110 can include one or more of ade-scrambler or decryption module to unlock or otherwise provide accessto media content offered by a satellite service provider. The STB 110can include a tuner that responds to an input from a user that tunes theSTB 110 to one of a number of available satellite service channels. Insome instances, the block down-conversion of the LNB 107 providesmultiple satellite service channels to each STB 110, allowing forselection of a particular channel to occur within the STB 110. A decoderdecodes encoded channel signals, e.g., converting digital MPEG-2, H.264or MPEG-4 signals to another format, such as analog NTCS format, HDTVformat, and the like. It is understood that the down-converted RF signalcan support multiple channels simultaneously, e.g., being distributed bythe RF distribution network for processing by multiple satellitereceivers.

In the illustrative embodiment, the system 100 also includes anintelligent multi-switch 116. The intelligent multi-switch 116 receivesmedia content from one or more alternate sources 118 and selectivelyprovides the alternative media content to one or more of the STBs 110.For example, the intelligent multi-switch 116 provides the alternativemedia content 118 to the STBs 110 during occurrences of interferencethat might otherwise degrade or prevent reception of the satellitesignal 104. In some embodiments, the intelligent multi-switch 116identifies alternate media content based on the particular media contentbeing consumed or otherwise presented to the STBs 110. Indication ofmedia content being presented to the STBs 110 can be determined from oneor more of a channel indicator, an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG), aprogram recording schedule for STBs 110 that include Digital VideoRecorders (DVR), and the like.

In some embodiments, the intelligent multi-switch 116 is IP enabled andhas discrete signal detection that applies the content from acorresponding internet feed 118 (fed to IP multi-switch) and switchesback to the satellite/terrestrial feed 109 when certain impairments comeand go. Typically this type detection can be a signal frequencydetector. The accuracy associated with the prediction of rain fade atone frequency based on the rain fade measured at another frequency is onthe order of +/−2 dB. Thus effective fade detection requires fademeasurements at only one frequency. However there are several detectionmethods to accomplish the switch, such as indication of a signal tonoise ratio, a bit error rate, an error correction performance metric,and so forth.

FIG. 2 depicts another embodiment of a terrestrial portion 200 of thedirect broadcast satellite system 100 described in FIG. 1. Theterrestrial portion 200 includes a satellite terminal 206 having asatellite dish antenna 205 and a low-noise amplifier/blockdown-converter (LNB) 207. The dish antenna 205 is typically mountedexternal to a subscriber's premises and receives RF signals 204 from oneor more satellites. The received satellite signals 204 are passed to theLNB 207, where they are amplified, filtered and down-converted. Thedown-converted signals are provided to one or more STBs 210 a, 210 b,210 c, 210 d (generally 210) of a subscriber's premises through an RFdistribution network 208. The RF distribution network 208 can includeone or more switches, one or more signal splitters, or a combination ofone or more switch and one or more signal splitters, e.g., directing aparticular RF output of the LNB 207 to one or more STBs 210.

The terrestrial portion 200 also includes an intelligent multi-switch216. The intelligent multi-switch 216 is in communication with one ormore of the STBs 210 and one or more network-accessible alternatecontent sources 218. Alternatively or in addition, the intelligentmulti-switch 216 is in communication with one or more of a programschedule and/or service directory 224, a weather service 226 and a solarcalculator 227. The STBs 210, in turn, include an RF input terminal 220a, 220 b, 220 c, 220 d (generally 220), and a network interface 222 a,222 b, 222 c, 222 d (generally 222). The RF input terminals 220 are incommunication with the RF distribution network 208, receiving thedown-converted RF signals from the LNB 207. The network interfaces 222are in communication with the intelligent multi-switch 216, e.g.,receiving alternative media content from one of the network-accessiblealternate content sources 218. In some embodiments, the multi-switch 216is in communication with one or more of the satellite terminal 206 andthe RF distribution network 208.

In operation, any operational STBs 210 that are actively receivingsatellite media content from the satellite signal 204, would be tuned toa channel associated with particular media content provided on thatchannel It is generally understood that the satellite service mediacontent can be provided in a broadcast mode, e.g., according to aprogram lineup or schedule. Under such conditions, the program lineupcan be identified by an electronic program guide identifying channels,time slots and programed media content. Accordingly, knowledge of atuned channel and a time is sufficient to allow for an identification ofa media content item being presented on display equipment attached tothe STB 210 and/or recorded at a DVR. Alternatively or in addition, thesatellite signal includes metadata that includes identifyinginformation. Different metadata can be provided for each programmedchannel of the satellite service lineup, such that access to metadata ofa tuned channel can identify a media content being presented on thedisplay equipment attached to the STB 210 and/or recorded at a DVR. Itis also understood that in some embodiments, satellite service mediacontent can be provided on a pay-per view basis and/or as an on demandbasis.

The intelligent multi-switch 216 can identify what media content itemsare being delivered to any active STBs 210, and further identifyalternative media content items. The alternative media content items caninclude, without limitation, other versions of the same media contentitems. For example, a direct broadcast satellite service provider mayoffer some or all of their channel lineups in an ancillary service fordelivery over terrestrial networks. The ancillary service can include,so-called, small screen versions of the media content items, generallyintended for consumption on mobile devices. Thus, a high-definitionversion, including ultra-high-definition or “4K” version of a mediacontent item might be delivered by the satellite service according tothe satellite signal 204; whereas, a standard definition, low-definitionor otherwise small-screen version can be provided via a cable serviceand/or via an IP media stream.

The intelligent multi-switch 216 can identify an impairment in deliveryof media content by way of the satellite signal 204, and in response,direct the alternative media content 219 to the STBs 210 by way of thenetwork interface 222. The alternative media content can take the formof a packet stream, e.g., a media stream according to a streamingprotocol, such as MPEG-2 or MPEG-4, MP-3, and the like. The mediacontent and the alternative media content can include, withoutlimitation, one or more of video content, audio content, data, text,images, and the like. In some embodiments, the media content can includesocial media content, gaming content, e.g., multiplayer includingmassively multiplayer games. It is also generally understood that anymedia content or alternative media content can include metadata that caninclude descriptive information about the media content item.Descriptive information can include, without limitation, a programidentifier, a program title, a program source, e.g., studio, actors inthe program, a genre, viewer and/or critical reviews, an industrystandard rating, e.g., general audience, mature content, language,nudity, violence, start time, end time, duration, and the like.

The intelligent multi-switch 116 detects a particular channel to whichone of the STBs 110 is tuned. The intelligent multi-switch 116 caninclude a clock, or otherwise obtain a local time, such that the mediacontent item or program can be determined from the channel and the timewith reference to the EPG.

The intelligent multi-switch 216 can identify an impairment as acomplete loss of the satellite signal 204, a reduction in RF power ofthe satellite signal, e.g., due to a signal attenuation as might beexperienced during heavy precipitation conditions. Alternatively or inaddition, the impairment can be identified by an increase in a Bit ErrorRate (BER) and/or a measure of error correction performance, e.g., anincrease of forward error correction. Interjection by the multi-switch216 to provide the alternative content to the STB 210, can occur in areactionary manner, when the signal loss and/or error performancereaches or exceeds an intolerable level. Such scenarios might result ina loss of picture and/or audio, a reduced resolution, a blank screen,and the like. Alternatively or in addition, interjection by themulti-switch 216 can occur in a predictive manner in which a trend inperformance can be used to predict a future loss of signal, or increasein error performance. Such predictions can be determined from one ormore of trends of measured performance, weather sensory data, weatherforecasts, and or predictions, e.g., from solar calculators to predictsun fades.

Weather data and/or weather forecasts can be obtained from a weatherservice provider, such as the National Weather Service, a local newsoutlet and/or weather application programs or apps', such as The WeatherChannel®. The Weather Channel® is a registered trademark of The WeatherChannel, Inc. In some embodiments, the weather information can beobtained from a local weather station or weather sensor, such as a raingauge, a hydrometer, a barometer, or the like provided at the subscriberpremises.

In some instances, the STB 210 provides an indicator that the signalloss/error performance is intolerable. This might include an applicationthat flashes a billboard or similar message to presentation equipmentindicating loss of signal and/or technical difficulties. Alternativelyor in addition, one or more of the LNB 207 and the STB 210 provides aperformance indicator related to the satellite signal 204 and orindividual channels tuned to by the STBs 210. The signal indications caninclude Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), BER, error corrections, and thelike. The multi-switch 216 can be programed or otherwise include logicto act upon such signal indications in order to determine when to switchbetween satellite service media content and any alternative mediacontent. The programming and/or logic can implement one or more rulesthat determine aspects of any transitions, such as when and under whatconditions to switch between the regular and alternate content. Therules can include further restrictions, such as allowed alternativecontent sources, blocked alternative content sources, user preferences,and the like.

It is understood that in at least some instances, the same programmingcontent may not be available from other network sources depending on oneor more of the program, the time, available sources, etc. In suchinstances, the multi-switch 216 can be configured to provide a suitablereplacement alternative content item. Such suitable replacement contentcan be determined according to one or more of a genre, actor(s),producer, studio, rating, and the like. For example, if the multi-switch216 determines that an STB 210 is tuned to a particular episode of“Modern Family,” the multi-switch can search a schedule and/or directory224 of alternate media content to identify a suitable replacement. Thesuitable replacement in the illustrative example might include anotherepisode of “Modern Family.” The other episode can be selected based onfurther detail, such as another episode from the same season, or closeto the same season. Another episode dealing with similar subject matter,such as a story that focuses on one of the same actors can be selected,as well as other shows that may include the same actors, other familyshows, and the like.

It is envisioned in at least some instances that suitable replacementcontent can include advertising content. The selection of any particularadvertising content to be substituted during outages can be based onperceived user demographics based on the particular content tuned to bythe STB 210 at the time of the outage. Alternatively or in addition, theselection of alternative content that includes advertising can be basedon one or more of user preference, subscriber demographics, past viewinghistory, and the like.

In some embodiments, the multi-switch 216 includes a buffer, such as acircular buffer, that accepts a portion of the alternative content item.The buffer can be used to synchronize a transition between theparticular media content item being presented at the STB 210 and thealternate content. For example, the buffer depth can be selected tostore enough streamed media content to account for a greatestanticipated difference in timing between a satellite servicepresentation of a program, and a terrestrial service, “small-screen”presentation of the same show. Such delays can range from a few seconds,to tens of seconds, or more. The multi-switch can include circuitryand/or programing steps to detect or otherwise determine a time delay ortime offset between the original and alternate media content items. Thetime delay or offset can be used to adjust the circular buffer such thatalternate media content at an output of the circular buffer isapproximately synchronized with the original media content presented tothe STB 210. Having established synchronization, the multi-switch 216can switch or otherwise instruct the STB 210 to switch between theoriginal content item and the alternate content item. Such a switch canoccur within the same frame, e.g., within the same “I frame” of an MPEGmedia stream.

FIG. 3 depicts another embodiment of a terrestrial portion 300 of thedirect broadcast satellite system 100 described in FIG. 1. Theterrestrial portion 300 includes a satellite terminal 306 having asatellite dish antenna 305 and a low-noise amplifier/blockdown-converter (LNB) 307. The received satellite signals 304 are passedto the LNB 307, where they are amplified, filtered and down-converted.The down-converted signals are provided to one or more STBs 310 a, 310b, 310 c, 310 d (generally 310) of a subscriber's premises through an RFdistribution network 308. The terrestrial portion 300 also includes anintelligent multi-switch 316 in communication with one or more of theSTBs 310 and one or more network-accessible alternate content sources318. Alternatively or in addition, the intelligent multi-switch 316 isin communication with one or more of a program schedule and/or servicedirectory 324, a weather service 326 and a solar calculator 327. TheSTBs 310, in turn, include an RF input terminal 320 a, 320 b, 320 c, 320d (generally 320) that receive the down-converted satellite signalsprovided by the RF distribution network 308.

The system 300 also includes one or more modulators 328 and RF switchesor signal combiners 330 a, 330 b, 330 c, 330 d (generally 330). Themodulator 328 is in communication with the intelligent multi-switch 316and the RF switches/combiners 330. In operation, the intelligentmulti-switch 316 accesses alternate media content, e.g., as describedabove in relation to FIG. 2. The alternate media content can bepacketized content, e.g., obtained from a network-accessible source. Forexample, the media content can be in the form of an IP multicast stream.The multicast stream can include “small-screen” versions of thesatellite service media content items that may suffer an interruption indelivery. Alternatively or in addition, the multicast stream can includeany of the other alternative media content disclosed herein.

The modulator 328 receives the multicast stream, or in some instances,an analog signal comprising the alternate media content. The modulator328 modulates the alternate media content stream onto an RF signal thatcan replicate the RF output signal received from the LNB 307, by way ofthe RF distribution network 308. In this manner the RF modulatedalternate media content can be directed to one or more of the STBs 310during any outage periods in which the original satellite servicecontent may be degraded or otherwise unavailable. In some embodiments,the modulator 328 or another device, such as a wireless modem (notshown) can provide the alternate content wirelessly to the STBs 310.

For applications in which the RF switches/combiners 330 includecontrollable switches, the switches 330 can receive a control signal,e.g., from the multi-switch and/or another control device to actuate aswitch to the alternate content during an interruption to the satelliteservice and a switch back to the original content when the satelliteservice has been restored. In the illustrative embodiment, theintelligent multi-switch 316 obtains alternate content for each of theset-top boxes 310. Accordingly, the intelligent multi-switch 316provides up to four IP streams (multicast or unicast for video ondemand), to the modulator 328.

Although separate RF switches/combiners 330 are illustrated, it isunderstood that any switching to/from alternate media content could beaccommodated by the RF distribution network 308. Namely, instead of a1×4 RF switch, the RF distribution network 308 can include a 2×4 switchcapable of switching either the satellite RF signal from the LNB 307 orthe alternate media content RF signal from the modulator 328 to one ormore of the STBs 310. Although the modulator 328 is illustrated ashaving four independent RF outputs, it is understood that the modulatorcan modulate multiple IP packet streams onto a single RF signal, e.g.,with the alternate content occupying corresponding frequency spectra tothe satellite RF signal content being replaced. In this manner, the STB310 is able to process the original satellite media content or thealternate media content without having to retune.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, in which the down-converted RFsatellite signal from the LNB 307 includes encryption or scrambling, itis understood that the modulator 328 can include an encryption and/orscrambling circuitry or program steps to encrypt and/or scramble thealternate content in the same manner as applied to the originaldown-converted RF satellite signal. Accordingly, the STB 310 cancontinue to process the alternate content in a like manner, includingchannel tuning, decryption and/or descrambling. In other embodiments, itis understood that the alternate content can be provided withoutencryption and/or scrambling, even though the original signal isencrypted and/or scrambled. In such instances, the STB 310 can beprogrammed to detect a change in encryption and/or scrambling of thesignal and process the signal accordingly. A control signal indicatingwhether encryption and/or scrambling should be applied can be generatedwith the STB 310, e.g., upon a detection that the signal is/is notencrypted/scrambled. Alternatively or in addition, such a control signalcould be provided to the STB by another device, such as the modulator328, the multi-switch 316 or some other controlling device that is awareof switchover/switchback events to/from alternate media content. Anexample system comprising coordination of back-up media services isdisclosed in U.S. Patent Application, entitled “System and Method forCoordinating Back-Up Services for Land Based Content Subscribers,” andassigned application Ser. No. 14/919,356, filed on Oct. 21, 2015,incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a process 400 used inportions of the system described in FIGS. 1-3. A satellite channelindicator is received at 402. The channel indicator can include a tuningstatus or channel indicator provided by the STB 110, 210, 310, and/or bya remote control that operates user equipment, e.g., including the STBs.Alternatively or in addition, the satellite channel indicator can bedetermined by a detecting a frequency or channel of a particulartransponder to which the STB is tuned to. For applications, e.g., whenbacking up a DVR, the tuning status can be obtained from apre-programmed recording schedule that can include channel names,frequencies, times, and the like.

A satellite channel media content item is identified at 404. Aparticular media content item being watched or otherwise presented orrecorded on user equipment, can be identified by any of the techniquesdisclosed herein, including reference to an EPG based on the tuningstatus/channel and local time, metadata associated or otherwise providedwith the media content item, and in some instances, by sampling themedia content item itself. A sampling of images, textual content, and/oraudio of the original media content item can be obtained and used foridentification purposes.

A corresponding media content item of terrestrial channel is identifiedat 406. Generally, the system knows which primary service has beensubscribed to for a given premises. For instances in which a companionservice is available, such as the so-called “small screen” or mobileversions of a given service are available, these services can beidentified as a source for corresponding or alternate media contentitems. In other instances, particular broadcast program might also beavailable as an on-demand content item. In such instances, the on-demandversion can be identified as a source of a corresponding or alternatemedia content item. If on-demand content is used, an offset can bemonitored or otherwise provided, e.g., as a pointer to a portion of thecontent item being presented at the time of an outage. The offset can beused to adjust download and/or playback of the on-demand content item tosynchronize a transition from the broadcast to the on-demand contentitem in the event of an interruption.

As disclosed herein, alternative content can be identified, e.g., ifcorresponding version of the same content is not available. Thealternative content can be identified by relationships of one or moreparameters to the original content item. Such parameters can includetitle, characters, actors, musical scores, genre, author, producer,studio, ratings, and the like.

A satellite channel performance indicator is measured or otherwisereceived at 414. The satellite performance indicator can include one ormore of a signal strength of the received satellite signal, a signal tonoise ratio of the received signal or the down-converted signal at theLNB, and/or some other measure of performance, such as a BER, errorcorrection performance factor and the like.

A determination is made at 416 as to whether an impairment to satellitechannel has occurred. To the extent it is determined that an impairment,e.g., a loss of signal, has occurred, a switch to the alternate content,e.g., terrestrial channel, occurs at 418. Otherwise, the performanceindicator continues at 414, until such time as a signal impairment isdetected, if at all.

In some embodiments, a satellite channel outage forecast is obtained at410 (shown in phantom). The forecast can include results of a solarconjunction calculation, and or a weather forecast based on locations ofthe satellite terminal and the corresponding satellite. It is understoodthat forecast can include identification of regularly scheduledmaintenance, and the like. It is understood that, in some embodiments, aprediction of a loss of satellite signal can be obtained at 412 (shownin phantom). To the extent that a loss or impairment of the satellitesignal is determined at 412, a switch to the alternate content occurs at418. Otherwise, the process continues at 414, monitoring channelperformance and reacting at 416 as appropriate.

In some embodiments, a portion of the corresponding media content itemis buffered at 408 (shown in phantom). The buffering can beaccomplished, as disclosed herein, to support a synchronization during aswitch between original and alternate media content. It is understoodthat the buffering can be applied continuously, e.g., according to acircular buffer, such that the alternative content is available torespond to an unexpected signal outage. Alternatively, the buffering canbe applied in anticipation of a scheduled and/or predicted outage.During period when an outage is not expected, there would be no need toobtain the alternate content, thereby preserving network resources.

In some embodiments, a determination is made at 420 (shown in phantom)as to whether the original satellite channel available at 420. To theextent it is determined that the original satellite channel isavailable, a switch back to the original satellite channel occurs at422.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 4, it isto be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is notlimited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first communicationsystem 500 for delivering media content. The communication system 500can represent an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) media system.Communication system 500 can be overlaid or operably coupled with thesatellite communication systems 100, 200, 300 of FIGS. 1, 2 and/or 3 asanother representative embodiment of communication system 500. Forinstance, one or more devices illustrated in the communication system500 of FIG. 5 can determine a first tuning state of a STB 506. The firsttuning state includes a satellite service channel of a number ofchannels, including a first media content item that is processed by theSTB 506 for presentation to equipment a subscriber 508. A terrestrialservice channel is identified, for example by the intelligentmulti-switch 570 and/or by the backup service server 530 that includes asecond media content item. The terrestrial service channel is accessedby the intelligent multi-switch after not having been initiallyprocessed by the STB 506 for presentation to the equipment 208 of thesubscriber. An unavailability is determined of the satellite servicechannel to the media processor, e.g., by the intelligent multi-switch570 and/or by the backup service server 530 and the second media contentitem is provided to the STB 506 in place of the first, responsive to thedetermining of the unavailability of the satellite service channel

The IPTV media system can include a super head-end office (SHO) 510 withat least one super headend office server (SHS) 511 which receives mediacontent from satellite and/or terrestrial communication systems. In thepresent context, media content can represent, for example, audiocontent, moving image content such as 2D or 3D videos, video games,virtual reality content, still image content, and combinations thereof.The SHS server 511 can forward packets associated with the media contentto one or more video head-end servers (VHS) 514 via a network of videohead-end offices (VHO) 512 according to a multicast communicationprotocol.

The VHS 514 can distribute multimedia broadcast content via an accessnetwork 518 to commercial and/or residential buildings 502 housing agateway 504 (such as a residential or commercial gateway). The accessnetwork 518 can represent a group of digital subscriber line accessmultiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central office or a service areainterface that provide broadband services over fiber optical links orcopper twisted pairs 519 to buildings 502. The gateway 504 can usecommunication technology to distribute broadcast signals to mediaprocessors 506 such as Set-Top Boxes (STBs) which in turn presentbroadcast channels to media devices 508 such as computers or televisionsets managed in some instances by a media controller 507 (such as aninfrared or RF remote controller).

The gateway 504, the media processors 506, and media devices 508 canutilize tethered communication technologies (such as coaxial, powerlineor phone line wiring) or can operate over a wireless access protocolsuch as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, or other presentor next generation local or personal area wireless network technologies.By way of these interfaces, unicast communications can also be invokedbetween the media processors 506 and subsystems of the IPTV media systemfor services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronicprogramming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services.

A satellite broadcast television system 529 can be used in the mediasystem of FIG. 5. The satellite broadcast television system can beoverlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system as anotherrepresentative embodiment of communication system 500. In thisembodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite 515 that include mediacontent can be received by a satellite dish receiver 531 coupled to thebuilding 502. Modulated signals received by the satellite dish receiver531 can be transferred to the media processors 506 for demodulating,decoding, encoding, and/or distributing broadcast channels to the mediadevices 508. The media processors 506 can be equipped with a broadbandport to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network 532 to enableinteractive services such as VoD and EPG as described above.

In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital cable broadcastdistribution system such as cable TV system 533 can be overlaid,operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system and/or the satelliteTV system as another representative embodiment of communication system500. In this embodiment, the cable TV system 533 can also provideInternet, telephony, and interactive media services. System 500 enablesvarious types of interactive television and/or services including IPTV,cable and/or satellite.

The subject disclosure can apply to other present or next generationover-the-air and/or landline media content services system.

Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be coupled toone or more computing devices 530, a portion of which can operate as aweb server for providing web portal services over the ISP network 532 towireline media devices 508 or wireless communication devices 516. Insome embodiments the computing devices 530 include a backup serviceserver 530 that is programmed to implement server backup servicefunctionality 562. The server backup service functionality 562 canimplement one or more of the features disclosed herein, such as thefeatures associated with the process 400 described in FIG. 4. The backupservice server 530 can operate alone or in combination with theintelligent multi-switch 570. Accordingly, the intelligent multi-switch570 is programmed to implement switch backup service functionality 564.The switch backup service functionality 564 can implement one or more ofthe features disclosed herein, such as the features associated with theprocess 400 described in FIG. 4. When both the backup service server 530and the intelligent multi-switch 570 are provided, backup servicefunctionality can be shared or otherwise distributed across both devices530, 570. It is envisioned that in some embodiments, backup servicefunctionality can be included in one or more other devices and systems,such as the satellite receiver 531, the STB 507, the residential gateway504, and the like.

Multiple forms of media services can be offered to media devices overlandline technologies such as those described above. Additionally, mediaservices can be offered to media devices by way of a wireless accessbase station 517 operating according to common wireless access protocolssuch as Global System for Mobile or GSM, Code Division Multiple Accessor CDMA, Time Division Multiple Access or TDMA, Universal MobileTelecommunications or UMTS, World interoperability for Microwave orWiMAX, Software Defined Radio or SDR, Long Term Evolution or LTE, and soon. Other present and next generation wide area wireless access networktechnologies can be used in one or more embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal 602 of acommunication system 600. Communication system 600 can be overlaid oroperably coupled with systems 100, 200, 300 of FIGS. 1, 2 and/or 3and/or communication system 500 as another representative embodiment ofsystems 100, 200, 300 of FIGS. 1, 2 and/or 3 and/or communication system500. The web portal 602 can be used for managing services of systems100, 200, 300 of FIGS. 1, 2 and/or 3 and communication systems 500. Aweb page of the web portal 602 can be accessed by a Uniform ResourceLocator (URL) with an Internet browser using an Internet-capablecommunication device such as those described in FIGS. 1, 2 and/or 3 andFIG. 5. The web portal 602 can be configured, for example, to access amedia processor 506 and services managed thereby such as a Digital VideoRecorder (DVR), a Video on Demand (VoD) catalog, an ElectronicProgramming Guide (EPG), or a personal catalog (such as personal videos,pictures, audio recordings, etc.) stored at the media processor 506. Theweb portal 602 can also be used for provisioning IMS services describedearlier, provisioning Internet services, provisioning cellular phoneservices, and so on.

The web portal 602 can further be utilized to manage and provisionsoftware applications 562-564 to adapt these applications as may bedesired by subscribers and/or service providers of systems 100, 200, 300of FIGS. 1, 2 and/or 3, and communication system 500. For instance,users of the services provided by intelligent multi-switches 116, 216,316, 570 and/or server 530 can log into their on-line accounts andmulti-switches 116, 216, 316, 570 and/or server 530 with features that auser may want to program such as loss of signal triggers, alternatecontent preferences, user identity and/or account information, userprofiles, providing contact information to server to enable it tocommunication with the STBs 110, 210, 310, 506 described in FIGS. 1-3and 5, and so on. Service providers can log onto an administratoraccount to provision, monitor and/or maintain the systems 100, 200, 300of FIGS. 1, 2 and/or 3 or server 530.

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device 700.Communication device 700 can serve in whole or in part as anillustrative embodiment of the devices depicted in systems 100, 200, 300of FIGS. 1, 2 and/or 3, and FIG. 5 and can be configured to performportions of the process 400 of FIG. 4.

Communication device 700 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 702 (herein transceiver 702), a user interface (UI) 704, apower supply 714, a location receiver 716, a motion sensor 718, anorientation sensor 720, and a controller 706 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 702 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1×, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 702 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 704 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 708 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device700. The keypad 708 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 700 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 708 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 704 can further include a display710 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 700. In anembodiment where the display 710 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 708 can be presented by way of the display 710 withnavigation features.

The display 710 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 700 can be adapted to present a user interface withgraphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by a userwith a touch of a finger. The touch screen display 710 can be equippedwith capacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology todetect how much surface area of a user's finger has been placed on aportion of the touch screen display. This sensing information can beused to control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functionsof the user interface. The display 710 can be an integral part of thehousing assembly of the communication device 700 or an independentdevice communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface(such as a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 704 can also include an audio system 712 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 712 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 712 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI704 can further include an image sensor 713 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 714 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 700 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable applications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 716 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 700 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 718can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 700 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 720 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device700 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 700 can use the transceiver 702 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 706 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 700.

Other components not shown in FIG. 7 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 700 can include a reset button (not shown). The reset button canbe used to reset the controller 706 of the communication device 700. Inyet another embodiment, the communication device 700 can also include afactory default setting button positioned, for example, below a smallhole in a housing assembly of the communication device 700 to force thecommunication device 700 to re-establish factory settings. In thisembodiment, a user can use a protruding object such as a pen or paperclip tip to reach into the hole and depress the default setting button.The communication device 700 can also include a slot for adding orremoving an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)card. SIM cards can be used for identifying subscriber services,executing programs, storing subscriber data, and so forth.

Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to anartisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can bemodified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope of theclaims described below. For example, the content replacement techniquesdisclosed herein for DBS satellite service can be applied to otherservices, as well, including terrestrial services. Outages experiencedin such services can be detected and/or predicted and backed up in asimilar manner. That is, an intelligent switch can be provided, e.g., atcustomer premises, or at some other location upstream, such as at aDSLAM, VRAD, central office, or even a head end. The intelligent switch,in response to a loss of signal and/or loss of content, can providealternate content according to the techniques disclosed herein.Consider, for example, a cable service, or other terrestrial service,such as FiOS or U-Verse that experiences a loss of signal and/orcontent. Substitute content obtained from an Internet version of theservice, e.g., providing the same or comparable channel lineup, andprovided to subscriber equipment during the detected outage.Alternatively or in addition, alternative or replacement content can beobtained from subscribe premises equipment, such as a DVR. Otheralternate of replacement content can include alerts, such as weatheralerts and/or emergency broadcast network content that may or may notrelate to an outage being experienced. Other embodiments can be used inthe subject disclosure.

In some embodiments, it is envisioned that one satellite service can bereplaced with another satellite service. Such substitutions can beavailable for installations having multiple satellite terminals, e.g.,pointing to different satellites at different orbital positions. Thus,when one satellite terminal may be experiencing a solar fade associatedwith a first satellite, the other satellite terminal may not beexperiencing a solar fade, thus being available for service. Withoutlimitation, transponder resources of the two different satellites may beproviding satellite services of the same satellite service provider,different providers, or both. For situations in which substitute mediais obtained from a different service provider, it is understood thatsuch substitutions may require agreements for temporary provisioning ofservices, authorizations, assessments of fees, billing, etc.

In some embodiments, it is envisioned that one satellite service can bereplaced with another satellite service of the same satellite. Forexample, a satellite terminal might include one dish antenna equippedwith multiple feeds. The feeds can be distinguished by one or more ofpolarizations, frequency bands, focal positions, and the like. Considerservices provided at a first frequency band and/or polarization thatmight be impacted by a weather event, such as precipitation. To theextent that the other service operates at a different frequency bandand/or polarization, the other service may not be impacted by the sameweather event, such that it would be available as a replacement. It isalso understood that one dish antenna can include multiple feedspositioned at different focal locations that can point to differentsatellites. Accordingly, an interruption of service from one of thefeeds of a first satellite can be replaced by service from another feedof another satellite. Once again, such substitutions may requireagreements for temporary provisioning of services, authorizations,assessments of fees, billing, etc.

It should be understood that devices described in the exemplaryembodiments can be in communication with each other via various wirelessand/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can be links that aredescribed as coupled, connected and so forth, which can includeunidirectional and/or bidirectional communication over wireless pathsand/or wired paths that utilize one or more of various protocols ormethodologies, where the coupling and/or connection can be direct (e.g.,no intervening processing device) and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediaryprocessing device such as a router).

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 700 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethods described above. One or more instances of the machine canoperate, for example, as the intelligent multi-switch 116, 216, 316, 570the STB 110, 21, 310, 506, the residential gateway 570, theschedule/directory 224, 324, the weather service 226, 326, the backupservice server 530, the media processor 506 and other devices of FIGS.1-3 and 5-6. In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g.,using a network 726) to other machines. In a networked deployment, themachine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client user machinein a server-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in apeer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, adesktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge,or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a communication device of the subject disclosureincludes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video ordata communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, theterm “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machinesthat individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) ofinstructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

The computer system 700 may include a processor (or controller) 702(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit(GPU, or both), a main memory 704 and a static memory 706, whichcommunicate with each other via a bus 708. The computer system 700 mayfurther include a display unit 710 (e.g., a liquid crystal display(LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state display). The computer system 700may include an input device 712 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor controldevice 714 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 716, a signal generationdevice 718 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interfacedevice 720. In distributed environments, the embodiments described inthe subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units710 controlled by two or more computer systems 700. In thisconfiguration, presentations described by the subject disclosure may inpart be shown in a first of the display units 710, while the remainingportion is presented in a second of the display units 710.

The disk drive unit 716 may include a tangible computer-readable storagemedium 722 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g.,software 724) embodying any one or more of the methods or functionsdescribed herein, including those methods illustrated above. Theinstructions 724 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 704, the static memory 706, and/or within theprocessor 702 during execution thereof by the computer system 700. Themain memory 704 and the processor 702 also may constitute tangiblecomputer-readable storage media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Application specific integrated circuits andprogrammable logic array can use downloadable instructions for executingstate machines and/or circuit configurations to implement embodiments ofthe subject disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus andsystems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronicand computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two ormore specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with relatedcontrol and data signals communicated between and through the modules,or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, theexample system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardwareimplementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure, theoperations or methods described herein are intended for operation assoftware programs or instructions running on or executed by a computerprocessor or other computing device, and which may include other formsof instructions manifested as a state machine implemented with logiccomponents in an application specific integrated circuit or fieldprogrammable gate array. Furthermore, software implementations (e.g.,software programs, instructions, etc.) including, but not limited to,distributed processing or component/object distributed processing,parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also beconstructed to implement the methods described herein. It is furthernoted that a computing device such as a processor, a controller, a statemachine or other suitable device for executing instructions to performoperations or methods may perform such operations directly or indirectlyby way of one or more intermediate devices directed by the computingdevice.

While the tangible computer-readable storage medium 722 is shown in anexample embodiment to be a single medium, the term “tangiblecomputer-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a singlemedium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database,and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets ofinstructions. The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shallalso be taken to include any non-transitory medium that is capable ofstoring or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machineand that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods ofthe subject disclosure. The term “non-transitory” as in a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage includes without limitation memories, drives,devices and anything tangible but not a signal per se.

The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall accordinglybe taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such asa memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only(non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable(volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical medium such as a diskor tape, or other tangible media which can be used to store information.Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more ofa tangible computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein andincluding art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which thesoftware implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are from time-to-timesuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Wireless standards for device detection (e.g.,RFID), short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth®, WiFi, Zigbee®), andlong-range communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used bycomputer system 700.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Theexemplary embodiments can include combinations of features and/or stepsfrom multiple embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derivedtherefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figuresare also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certainproportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

Less than all of the steps or functions described with respect to theexemplary processes or methods can also be performed in one or more ofthe exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of numerical terms todescribe a device, component, step or function, such as first, second,third, and so forth, is not intended to describe an order or functionunless expressly stated so. The use of the terms first, second, thirdand so forth, is generally to distinguish between devices, components,steps or functions unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, oneor more devices or components described with respect to the exemplaryembodiments can facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating(e.g., facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection)can include less than every step needed to perform the function or caninclude all of the steps needed to perform the function.

In one or more embodiments, a processor (which can include a controlleror circuit) has been described that performs various functions. Itshould be understood that the processor can be multiple processors,which can include distributed processors or parallel processors in asingle machine or multiple machines. The processor can be used insupporting a virtual processing environment. The virtual processingenvironment may support one or more virtual machines representingcomputers, servers, or other computing devices. In such virtualmachines, components such as microprocessors and storage devices may bevirtualized or logically represented. The processor can include a statemachine, application specific integrated circuit, and/or programmablegate array including a Field PGA. In one or more embodiments, when aprocessor executes instructions to perform “operations”, this caninclude the processor performing the operations directly and/orfacilitating, directing, or cooperating with another device or componentto perform the operations.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can beseen that various features are grouped together in a single embodimentfor the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method ofdisclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that theclaimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited ineach claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subjectmatter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimedsubject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a switch; a buffer memory;a processing system including a processor in communication with theswitch and the buffer memory; and a memory that stores executableinstructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitateperformance of operations, the operations comprising: receiving achannel indicator of a media processing device of a subscriber, whereinthe channel indicator corresponds to a satellite service channel of aplurality of satellite service channels, wherein the satellite servicechannel provides a first version of a media content item, wherein thefirst version of the media content item is processed by the mediaprocessing device for presentation; identifying a terrestrial servicechannel of a plurality of terrestrial service channels providing asecond version of the media content item, wherein control of the switchprovides access to the terrestrial service channel; buffering a portionof the second version of the media content item to obtain a bufferedsecond version within the buffer memory; and detecting an unavailabilityof the satellite service channel to the media processing device, whereinthe buffered second version of the media content item is subsequentlyprocessed by the media processing device for presentation in place ofthe first version of the media content item responsive to the detectingof the unavailability of the satellite service channel.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the detecting the unavailability is based on a biterror rate, a signal-to-noise ratio correction, or a combinationthereof, and wherein the second version of the media content item is notprocessed, prior to the control of the switch, by the media processingdevice for presentation.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein theoperations further comprise: determining a relative delay between apresentation of the first version of the media content item and ascheduled presentation of the second version of the media content item;and determining a buffer depth based on the relative delay, wherein atransition at the media processing device from the first version to thebuffered second version occurs synchronously.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein the identifying of the terrestrial service channel comprises:identifying the first version of the media content item based on thechannel indicator and a scheduled presentation time.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the detecting of the unavailability is based on aperformance measure of a satellite signal comprising the plurality ofsatellite service channels, wherein the performance measure comprises aneffective isotropic radiated power, a bit error rate, a signal-to-noiseratio, a measure of error correction or a combination thereof.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise: determininga re-availability of the satellite service channel to the mediaprocessing device of the subscriber, after the determining of theunavailability of the satellite service channel to the media processingdevice of the subscriber; and providing the first version of the mediacontent item to the media processing device in place of the secondversion of the media content item, responsive to the determining of there-availability of the satellite service channel.
 7. The system of claim1, wherein the operations further comprise predicting the unavailabilityof the satellite service channel at a future time based on a weatherforecast or a solar fade evaluation, wherein the identifying of theterrestrial service channel is responsive to the predicting of theunavailability.
 8. A method, comprising: detecting, by a devicecomprising a processing system including a processor, a first tuningstate of a media processing device of a subscriber, wherein the firsttuning state comprises a satellite service channel of a plurality ofsatellite service channels, wherein the satellite service channelpresents a media content item, wherein the media content item ispresented to the media processing device; determining, by the device, aterrestrial service channel of a plurality of terrestrial servicechannels providing a substitute media content item, wherein control of aswitch provides access to the terrestrial service channel; buffering, bythe device, a portion of the substitute media content item to obtain abuffered substitute media content item; and detecting, by the device, anunavailability of the satellite service channel for presentation to themedia processing device, wherein the substitute media content item issubsequently processed by the media processing device for presentationin place of the media content item, responsive to the detecting of theunavailability of the satellite service channel.
 9. The method of claim8, further comprising buffering, by the device, a portion of thesubstitute media content item within a buffer memory to obtain abuffered substitute media content item, wherein the providing of thesubstitute media content item comprises providing the bufferedsubstitute media content item.
 10. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising: determining, by the device, a relative delay between thepresentation of the media content item and a scheduled presentation ofthe substitute media content item; and determining, by the device, abuffer depth based on the relative delay, wherein a transition at themedia processing device from the media content item to the substitutemedia content item occurs synchronously.
 11. The method of claim 8,wherein the media content item is streamed according to a firstprotocol, and wherein the substitute media content item is streamedaccording to a second protocol.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein thedetermining of the unavailability is based on a performance measure of asatellite signal comprising the plurality of satellite service channels,wherein the performance measure comprises an effective isotropicradiated power, a bit error rate, a signal-to-noise ratio, a measure oferror correction or a combination thereof.
 13. The method of claim 8,wherein the detecting the unavailability is based on a bit error rate, asignal-to-noise ratio, or a combination thereof, and wherein thesubstitute media content item is not processed, prior to the control ofthe switch, by the media processing device for presentation.
 14. Themethod of claim 8, further comprising predicting, by the device, theunavailability of the satellite service channel at a future time basedon a weather forecast or a solar fade evaluation, wherein thedetermining of the terrestrial service channel is responsive to thepredicting of the unavailability.
 15. A non-transitory, machine-readablemedium, comprising executable instructions that, when executed by aprocessing system including a processor, facilitate performance ofoperations, the operations comprising: determining a first tuning stateof a media processor, wherein the first tuning state comprises asatellite service channel providing a first media content item, whereinthe first media content item is processed by the media processor forpresentation; identifying a terrestrial service channel providing asecond media content item, wherein control of a switch provides accessto the terrestrial service channel; buffering a portion of the secondmedia content item to obtain a buffered second media content item; anddetermining an unavailability of the satellite service channel to themedia processor, wherein the second media content item is subsequentlyprocessed by the media processor for presentation in place of the firstmedia content item responsive to the determining of the unavailabilityof the satellite service channel.
 16. The non-transitory,machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the determining theunavailability is based on a bit error rate, a signal-to-noise ratio, ora combination thereof, and wherein the second media content item is notprocessed, prior to the control of the switch, by the media processorfor presentation.
 17. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium ofclaim 16, wherein the operations further comprise: determining arelative delay between a presentation of the first media content itemand a scheduled presentation of the second media content item; anddetermining a buffer depth based on the relative delay, wherein atransition at the media processor from the first media content item tothe buffered second media content item occurs synchronously.
 18. Thenon-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein thedetermining of the unavailability is based on a performance measure of asatellite signal comprising the satellite service channel, wherein theperformance measure comprises an effective isotropic radiated power, abit error rate, a signal-to-noise ratio, a measure of error correctionor a combination thereof.
 19. The non-transitory, machine-readablemedium of claim 15, wherein the operations further comprise: determininga re-availability of the satellite service channel to the mediaprocessor, after the determining of the unavailability of the satelliteservice channel to the media processor; and facilitating a replacing ofthe second media content item with the first media content item to themedia processor, responsive to the determining of the re-availability ofthe satellite service channel.
 20. The non-transitory, machine-readablemedium of claim 15, wherein the operations further comprise: predictingthe unavailability of the satellite service channel at a future timebased on a weather observation or a celestial calculation, wherein theidentifying of the terrestrial service channel is responsive to thepredicting of the unavailability.